Fe/male Switch: Your Startup Facilitator & Incubator for Women

Top 10 Open Source Alternatives to Notion for Design Planning in 2025

With the rapid advancements in open-source development, 2025 presents a variety of robust alternatives to Notion for design planning. This article explores the top 10 open-source tools that offer extensive customization, efficient collaboration, and powerful capabilities, catering specifically to design planning needs.

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1. Wiki.js

Description: A powerful and extensible open-source wiki software known for its intuitive interface.
Key Features:
Customizable: Offers themes (light and dark mode), modules that can be turned on or off, and extensive admin controls.
Scalable: Works well on various platforms, from Raspberry Pi to cloud VMs.
Authentication: Supports local, social (Google, GitHub, etc.), and enterprise authentication options.
Performance: Built with Node.js for speed.
Database Compatibility: Compatible with PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MS SQL Server, or SQLite.
Link: Learn more about Wiki.js

2. DokuWiki

Description: A simple, versatile open-source wiki software that doesn't require a database.
Key Features:
Easy to Use and Install: User-friendly with a clean, readable syntax.
Low System Requirements: Can run on modest hardware.
Access Control: Built-in ACLs for managing user permissions.
Extensible: A large variety of plugins are available.
Device Independent: Works across different devices.
Link: Discover DokuWiki

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3. BookStack

Description: Simple, self-hosted wiki software for organizing and storing information.
Key Features:
Free & Open Source: MIT licensed with source available on GitHub.
Easy Interface: Uses a WYSIWYG editor and organizes content into Books, Chapters, and Pages.
Searchable and Connected: Fully searchable content with direct linking to paragraphs.
Configurable: Allows customization of name, logo, registration, and public visibility.
Built-in diagrams.net: Enables creation of diagrams within the documentation.
Link: Explore BookStack

4. WeKan

Description: An open-source, customizable, and privacy-focused Kanban board.
Key Features:
Kanban Functionality: Provides efficient task management with customizable boards.
Open Source: Transparent and community-driven.
Privacy-Focused: Gives control over your data.
Customizable: Allows adjustments to fit team workflows.
Self-Hosted: Can be installed on your own servers for full control.
Link: Learn more about WeKan

5. Kanboard

Description: A minimalist open-source Kanban project management software.
Key Features:
Simple Interface: Straightforward and easy to use.
Drag and Drop: Enables easy management of tasks.
Customizable: Offers customizable workflows and automation options.
Self-Hosted: Can be hosted on your servers.
Lightweight: Runs efficiently with minimal resource usage.
Link: Discover Kanboard

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6. AppFlowy

Description: An open-source, AI-powered collaborative workspace designed to bring projects, wikis, and teams together.
Key Features:
AI-Powered Collaboration: Leverages AI to enhance team collaboration and productivity.
Project Management: Offers tools to organize and manage projects.
Wiki Integration: Allows you to create and maintain wikis.
Data Control: Gives you full control over your data through open-source transparency.
Cross-Platform Support: Available on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Link: Explore AppFlowy

7. Focalboard

Description: An open-source, self-hosted alternative to Trello, Notion, and Asana.
Key Features:
Task Boards: Provides boards for managing tasks.
Calendar Views: Offers calendar views for task management.
Integration Capabilities: Integrates with other tools for enhanced functionality.
Self-Hosted: Allows for control over data and infrastructure.
Task Tracking: Enables the tracking of tasks for better project management.
Link: Learn more about Focalboard

8. Joplin

Description: An open-source note-taking application for capturing thoughts and securely accessing them from any device.
Key Features:
Multimedia Support: Supports images, videos, PDFs, and audio files.
Collaboration: Allows sharing of notes with others and collaboration.
Web Clipper: Use web clipper extension to save webpages.
Customizable: Offers customization with plugins and themes.
Cross-Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
Link: Explore Joplin

9. Baserow

Description: An open-source, no-code platform for building databases and applications.
Key Features:
No-Code: Allows creation of databases and applications without needing coding skills.
Open Source: Flexible and customizable, allowing for transparency.
Application Builder: Enables the creation of custom applications on top of your databases.
User-Friendly: Offers an intuitive interface for all users.
Scalable: Suitable for a range of project sizes.
Link: Discover Baserow

10. Penpot

Description: An open-source design and prototyping platform for product teams.
Key Features:
Open Web Standards: Uses SVG as its native format.
Web-Based: Accessible from any operating system.
Collaboration: Allows team members to develop, share, and manage design projects.
Library of Premade Designs: Offers multiple templates and tools, along with a community forum.
Cross-Domain Teams: Suitable for various teams working on different types of projects.
Link: Learn more about Penpot

This list provides a starting point for exploring open-source alternatives to Notion for design planning in 2025. Each tool has its strengths, and the best choice will depend on your specific requirements. Remember to check for the most up-to-date information on the tools' websites.

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FAQ

1. What is Wiki.js and its key features?

Wiki.js is a powerful and extensible open-source Wiki software known for its intuitive interface. Key features include customizable themes, scalable performance, various authentication options, and compatibility with multiple databases like PostgreSQL and MySQL. Learn more about Wiki.js

2. How does DokuWiki function without a database?

DokuWiki is a versatile open-source wiki software that doesn't require a database, making it easy to install and use. It offers features like low system requirements, built-in access control, and a wide variety of plugins. Discover DokuWiki

3. What are the main advantages of BookStack?

BookStack is simple, self-hosted wiki software that organizes content into Books, Chapters, and Pages. It is free, open-source, and includes a WYSIWYG editor, searchable content, customization options, and built-in diagrams.net. Learn more about BookStack

4. What makes WeKan a suitable Kanban board alternative?

WeKan is an open-source, privacy-focused Kanban board offering customizable boards, task management, self-hosting capabilities, and openness for adjustments to fit team workflows. Explore WeKan

5. How does Kanboard simplify project management?

Kanboard is minimalist open-source Kanban project management software offering a simple interface, drag-and-drop task management, customizable workflows, self-hosting, and efficient resource usage. Discover Kanboard

6. What unique features does AppFlowy offer?

AppFlowy is an open-source, AI-powered collaborative workspace designed for project management, wiki creation, and team collaboration. It provides full data control, cross-platform support, and AI-enhanced productivity tools. More about AppFlowy

7. What functionalities does Focalboard provide for task management?

Focalboard is an open-source, self-hosted alternative to Trello, Notion, and Asana, offering task boards, calendar views, integration capabilities, and task tracking, giving control over data and infrastructure. Explore Focalboard

8. How does Joplin support multimedia note-taking?

Joplin is an open-source note-taking application supporting images, videos, PDFs, and audio files. It allows sharing of notes, collaboration, web clipping, customization with plugins and themes, and is available across multiple platforms. Learn more about Joplin

9. What are the benefits of using Baserow?

Baserow is an open-source, no-code platform for building databases and applications. It features a user-friendly interface, application builder, scalability, flexibility, and transparency due to its open-source nature. Discover Baserow

10. How does Penpot facilitate design and prototyping?

Penpot is an open-source design and prototyping platform using SVG as its native format. It is web-based, enabling accessibility from any operating system, and supports collaboration among team members with a library of templates and tools. More about Penpot

References

About the Author

Violetta Bonenkamp, also known as MeanCEO, is an experienced startup founder with an impressive educational background including an MBA and four other higher education degrees. She has over 20 years of work experience across multiple countries, including 5 years as a solopreneur and serial entrepreneur. She’s been living, studying and working in many countries around the globe and her extensive multicultural experience has influenced her immensely.

Violetta is a true multiple specialist who has built expertise in Linguistics, Education, Business Management, Blockchain, Entrepreneurship, Intellectual Property, Game Design, AI, SEO, Digital Marketing, cyber security and zero code automations. Her extensive educational journey includes a Master of Arts in Linguistics and Education, an Advanced Master in Linguistics from Belgium (2006-2007), an MBA from Blekinge Institute of Technology in Sweden (2006-2008), and an Erasmus Mundus joint program European Master of Higher Education from universities in Norway, Finland, and Portugal (2009).

She is the founder of Fe/male Switch, a startup game that encourages women to enter STEM fields, and also leads CADChain, and multiple other projects like the Directory of 1,000 Startup Cities with a proprietary MeanCEO Index that ranks cities for female entrepreneurs. Violetta created the "gamepreneurship" methodology, which forms the scientific basis of her startup game. She also builds a lot of SEO tools for startups. Her achievements include being named one of the top 100 women in Europe by EU Startups in 2022 and being nominated for Impact Person of the year at the Dutch Blockchain Week. She is an author with Sifted and a speaker at different Universities. Recently she published a book on Startup Idea Validation the right way: from zero to first customers and beyond and launched a Directory of 1,500+ websites for startups to list themselves in order to gain traction and build backlinks.

For the past several years Violetta has been living between the Netherlands and Malta, while also regularly traveling to different destinations around the globe, usually due to her entrepreneurial activities. This has led her to start writing about different locations and amenities from the POV of an entrepreneur. Here’s her recent article about the best hotels in Italy to work from.

About the Publication

Fe/male Switch is an innovative startup platform designed to empower women entrepreneurs through an immersive, game-like experience. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic "without any funding and without any code," this non-profit initiative has evolved into a comprehensive educational tool for aspiring female entrepreneurs.The platform was co-founded by Violetta Shishkina-Bonenkamp, who serves as CEO and one of the lead authors of the Startup News branch.

Mission and Purpose

Fe/male Switch Foundation was created to address the gender gap in the tech and entrepreneurship space. The platform aims to skill-up future female tech leaders and empower them to create resilient and innovative tech startups through what they call "gamepreneurship". By putting players in a virtual startup village where they must survive and thrive, the startup game allows women to test their entrepreneurial abilities without financial risk.

Key Features

The platform offers a unique blend of news, resources,learning, networking, and practical application within a supportive, female-focused environment:

Skill Lab: Micro-modules covering essential startup skills
Virtual Startup Building: Create or join startups and tackle real-world challenges
AI Co-founder (PlayPal): Guides users through the startup process
SANDBOX: A testing environment for idea validation before launch
Wellness Integration: Virtual activities to balance work and self-care
Marketplace: Buy or sell expert sessions and tutorials

Impact and Growth

Since its inception, Fe/male Switch has shown impressive growth:

3,000+ female entrepreneurs in the community
100+ startup tools built
5,000+ pieces of articles and news written

Partnerships

Fe/male Switch has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings. In January 2022, it teamed up with global website builder Tilda to provide free access to website building tools and mentorship services for Fe/male Switch participants.

Recognition

Fe/male Switch has received media attention for its innovative approach to closing the gender gap in tech entrepreneurship. The platform has been featured in various publications highlighting its unique "play to learn and earn" model.

Violetta Bonenkamp

2025-08-24 08:40 Top Alternatives